Welcome to camp!

More information on the Fundraising Eventspage about how to register a team, become a sponsor or volunteer for the event.

History and Background

Sister Pat's Kids Camp is an outreach ministry of St. Helen’s Church in Westfield, NJ that provides a weeklong camping program for children afflicted with cancer and other related blood disorders. In 1985, Leo Forrest, along with St. Helen’s parishioner Paulette Cicero, founded the camp in honor of Sister Patricia Daly's dedication to children. Sr. Pat was the Director of Religious Education at St. Helen’s during the 1970’s. Camp continues today in memory of both Leo and Sr. Pat and is still largely sponsored by the extended community of Saint Helen's Church.

The camp is open to children between the ages of six and fourteen, of all races and religious affiliations, and is completely free to all campers.

Sister Pat's takes place at The Mid-Hudson Valley Camp in Esopus, New York. It is located 90 miles north of New York City and is ideally situated on the west bank of the Hudson River. The camp has full access to the 200 acres of land and many facilities of the Marist Brothers Retreat Center at Esopus.

Sister Pat's Kids Camp, as part of The Mid-Hudson Valley Camps, is an Associate Member of the American Camping Association.

OurMission Statement

Sister Pat's Kids Camp is committed to:

Promoting a comprehensive, safe camp experience for children living with cancer or serious blood disorders.

Helping children explore their interests and inner selves through sports, the arts and the outdoors, while providing for their health-related needs.

Giving each child an opportunity to have a week of fun and take from camp a renewed sense of confidence, compassion and hope